How to Tile a Wall

We're sharing a few useful projects from DIY Home Repairs: 100 Fix-It Yourself Projects, a book by Sarah Beeny, that will help you update your home while saving money. First up: how to craft your own tile wall.

It’s all about the preparation. Start tiling on a bumpy or "active" wall with pieces falling off it and don’t be surprised if the result is a little disappointing. The wall should be clean, flat, and dry.

Most tiles come in boxes or sheets enough to cover one square foot. Simply measure the length and width of area in feet and multiply to calculate the number of tiles to buy.

YOU'LL NEED:

Measure, measure, and measure again. It’s worth drawing areas on paper and checking again before starting.

TILES, TO COVER AREA, PLUS EXTRA

Before you get started, check out tile inspiration from the Dwell archive.

STEEL TAPE MEASURE

PENCIL, PAPER, AND RULER

MASKING TAPE

WOODEN BATTEN OR OTHER SUITABLE LENGTH OF WOOD

STANDARD LEVEL

TILE ADHESIVE (PREMIXED OR POWDERED)

BUCKET OF WATER, IF USING

PREMIXED ADHESIVE

NOTCHED TROWEL

SILICONE CAULK AND CAULK GUN, IF NEEDED

TOOL UP:

SPACERS

TOOL DOWN:

MATCHES

Getting Started

Measure, measure, and measure again. It’s worth drawing areas on paper and checking again before starting. Always buy extra tiles; you will almost certainly get some cuts wrong. Remember to leave spaces for grout and take your time.

To calculate number of tiles needed

Most tiles come in boxes or sheets enough to cover one square foot. Simply measure the length and width of area in feet and multiply to calculate the number of tiles to buy. Measure alcoves, bays, and L-shapes separately and add to the total. Add ten percent for wastage and mistakes.

What to Do

1. Put plugs in the bath and sink and use masking tape to secure them.

2. Mark the area on the wall to be tiled, using pencil and wooden batten. Make sure lines are level using standard level.

3. If using powdered adhesive, mix it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Using the notched trowel, spread tile adhesive evenly over one square yard of wall at a time. Use the serrated edge to form ridges.

5. Start from the most visible corner and work across, one row at a time, sticking spacers or matches between each tile. Press each tile in place, twisting slightly as you press so that it beds in securely. Check that the tiles are level as you go. Work in sections. If you need a break, remove tile adhesive from areas not yet covered by scraping it off with the other side of the spreader and discarding.

6. Cut tiles as you go along.

7. Leave adhesive to harden for 24 hours. Finish with grouting and caulk, if required.

How to Nail It!

• Always use cut tiles in corners where they will be less obvious.

• Never wash ANY tile adhesive or grout down the drain— it WILL harden and block the P trap and you will have to cut out the section.